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Head-to-Head Comparison

Loyola University Maryland vs Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Loyola Maryland Wins
10
Tied
21
Saint Joseph's Wins
19

Direct Answer

For overall financial value, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Loyola University Maryland achieves a higher graduation rate (80% vs 79%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $30,574 compared to Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's $29,689 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.

50 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS

When to Pick Each School

Loyola Maryland

  • More selective: Admits 75% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group

Saint Joseph's

  • Higher earnings: Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, 5% more than Loyola University Maryland
  • Lower cost: Average net price of $29,689, roughly $885 a year less
  • Less debt: Median debt of $25,500, the lower of the two

The Actual Decision

What are you really choosing between?

Loyola Maryland graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (32% of degrees); Saint Joseph's in Business & Marketing (39%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.

If you want… Choose
Pre-med & health Saint Joseph's
Business & entrepreneurship Saint Joseph's
Computer science & AI Loyola Maryland
Lab & physical sciences Saint Joseph's
Education & teaching Saint Joseph's
Law & criminal justice Loyola Maryland
Economics & public policy Loyola Maryland
Communications & media Either
Psychology Either

Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.

Which School Fits You?

Maximizing post-grad earnings → Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over Loyola University Maryland. Median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment vs $82,652.

Keeping costs down → Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia over Loyola University Maryland. Net price $29,689 vs $30,574.

Key Metrics at a Glance

Graduation Rate

80%
Loyola Maryland
vs
79%
Saint Joseph's

Earnings (10yr)

$82,652
Loyola Maryland
vs
$86,881
Saint Joseph's

Avg Net Price

$30,574
Loyola Maryland
vs
$29,689
Saint Joseph's

Median Debt

$27,000
Loyola Maryland
vs
$25,500
Saint Joseph's

The Analysis

Verdict

Loyola University Maryland and Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia are close on paper, but Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia wins the head-to-head, leading on 3 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.

Getting in

Loyola University Maryland is the harder admit. It takes 75% of applicants, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia takes 89%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,290 to 1,258.

So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Loyola University Maryland sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.

What it costs

On price, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $29,689, about $885 a year below Loyola University Maryland's $30,574. Graduates of Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia also borrow less: median debt of $25,500, against $27,000.

So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $3,540 before any change in aid. Choosing Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.

What graduates earn

Ten years after enrollment, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates report median earnings of $86,881, compared with $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland. That is a 5% advantage. Set against borrowing, Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.29x to 0.33x.

So what: An earnings gap of 5% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.

Recommendation

Bottom line: pick Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia to keep costs and debt down.

Data certainty: High. Both schools report 5 of 6 core signals used here; where one school is missing a figure, that row is left out of the comparison rather than estimated.

Counterintuitive Insights

!

Their academic identities diverge. Loyola University Maryland concentrates enrollment in Social Sciences, Psychology, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia leans toward Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.

Full Data Breakdown

Overview
5 metrics
Private nonprofit
Type
Private nonprofit
Urban
Setting
Urban
Mid-Atlantic
Region
Mid-Atlantic
3,869
Enrollment
4,948
No
HBCU
No
Admissions
4 metrics
75%
Acceptance Rate
89%
1290
SAT Average
1258
ACT Midpoint
28
1200-1370
SAT Range
1170-1350
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set)
6 metrics
12%
Yield Rate
14%
SAT Submitted
3%
ACT Submitted
Offered
Early Decision
41.8%
ED Admit Rate
7%
ED Share of Class
Cost & Financial Aid
9 metrics
$57,150
In-State Tuition
$53,260
$57,150
Out-of-State Tuition
$53,260
$30,574
Average Net Price
$29,689
$20,549
Net Price ($0-30K income)
$22,570
$23,462
Net Price ($30-48K)
$23,022
$27,419
Net Price ($48-75K)
$24,297
$35,338
Net Price ($110K+)
$33,222
20%
Pell Grant Rate
20%
52%
Federal Loan Rate
56%
Academics
5 metrics
80%
Graduation Rate
79%
87%
Retention Rate
89%
100%
Full-Time Faculty
100%
$9,706
Faculty Salary (monthly)
$11,284
13%
First-Gen Students
18%
Student Body
6 metrics
60%
Female
59%
61%
White
68%
15%
Hispanic
9%
12%
Black
7%
4%
Asian
9%
0.58
Diversity Index
0.51
Outcomes
6 metrics
$64,453
Earnings (6yr)
$66,438
$75,881
Earnings (8yr)
$76,633
$82,652
Earnings (10yr)
$86,881
$27,000
Median Debt
$25,500
0.33x
Debt-to-Earnings
0.29x
85%
Earning Above HS Grad
85%
Social Mobility (Chetty)
4 metrics
0.67%
Mobility Rate
39.8%
Success Rate (bottom 20%)
1.7%
From Bottom 20%
$205,428
Parent Median Income (today's $)
Social Capital
3 metrics
1.86
Economic Connectedness
0.01
Friending Bias
5.3%
Volunteering Rate
Online Education (IPEDS)
2 metrics
12.5%
% Exclusively Online
21.9%
39.5%
% Any Online
53.0%

The Overviews

Loyola University Maryland

Baltimore, MD · Private nonprofit

75% accept 80% grad $82,652 earnings $30,574 net

With an enrollment of nearly 3,900 students, Loyola University Maryland caters to those seeking a well-rounded education in a supportive environment. The 75% acceptance rate suggests that the school aims to welcome a diverse group of students, which contributes to a vibrant campus life. Popular areas of study include Business and Marketing, Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Communications, and Social Sciences, allowing students to explore various fields while preparing for their careers.

After graduation, students can expect a solid financial outlook, with a median earnings figure of $82,652 after ten years. This is encouraging and indicates that many graduates find good opportunities in their chosen fields. The affordability factor is also important; with a net price of $30,574, students can weigh the cost of their education against potential earnings, making it a reasonable investment for many.

When considering the practical aspects of attending Loyola, the average debt load of $27,000 is relatively manageable, especially given the earnings potential. The school attracts a mix of students, including those who are determined to succeed and take advantage of the supportive community. With a graduation rate of 80%, it’s clear that many students find their footing here and go on to thrive in their careers.

Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit

89% accept 79% grad $86,881 earnings $29,689 net

With an enrollment of nearly 5,000 students, Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia is a welcoming space for those looking to balance solid academics with a vibrant campus life. The acceptance rate of 89% suggests that we can expect a diverse group of students, many of whom are drawn to popular programs in Business and Marketing, Health Professions, Biology, Education, and Social Sciences. This mix means you'll find a community where collaboration and support thrive, making it a good fit if you're looking to dive deep into any of these fields.

Looking ahead, graduates from Saint Joseph's can anticipate a promising financial future. On average, alumni earn about $86,881 a decade after completing their studies, which is a solid return on investment considering the cost of education. Affordability is also a key factor here; the net price after aid stands at $29,689, and while some students do take on debt, with a median of $25,500, the earnings potential can help ease that burden for many.

In practical terms, students who tend to thrive at Saint Joseph's often embrace the collaborative atmosphere and are eager to engage with the community. The university supports a range of financial aid options, though it's worth noting that only 20% of students receive Pell Grants, meaning there’s a diverse economic mix on campus. This environment can be especially beneficial for those who are proactive about their education and seek to leverage the school's resources to create their own opportunities.

Rankings They Appear On

Loyola University Maryland is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Maryland ranking.

Explore all rankings →

Top Degree Programs

Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 32% of Loyola Maryland's student body and 39% of Saint Joseph's's.

Career Pathways

Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Loyola Maryland) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Saint Joseph's).

The two schools feed different job markets. Loyola University Maryland is strongest in Social Sciences, Computer Science & IT, while Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia concentrates in Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it harder to get into Loyola University Maryland or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?

Loyola University Maryland is harder to get into, admitting 75% of applicants compared with 89% at Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia.

Which is more affordable, Loyola University Maryland or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?

Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia is more affordable, with an average net price of $29,689 after aid versus $30,574 at Loyola University Maryland.

Do Loyola University Maryland or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more?

Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia graduates earn more: median earnings of $86,881 ten years after enrollment, versus $82,652 at Loyola University Maryland.

Which has a better graduation rate, Loyola University Maryland or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?

Loyola University Maryland has the higher graduation rate, 80% versus 79%.

Should you choose Loyola University Maryland or Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia?

It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Loyola University Maryland if you want the more selective, higher-stats peer group. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.

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Weigh Your Options

Best Colleges in America

How do Loyola Maryland and Saint Joseph's stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.

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